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39www.i-am-magazine.comBy Jennifer ThompsonThe Honorable Art of Serving Others(Witha Smile)The Honorable Art of Serving Others(Witha Smile)There%u2019s a phrase I say so often that mydaughter probably hears it in her sleep: \may I serve you?\I%u2019m not a waitress%u2014although I do serve up some piping hotinspiration if you catch me on the right day. Thisisn%u2019t about job titles or status. This is aboutheart. About choosing, every single day, to leadwith kindness, humility, and a joyful willingnessto serve.You see, somewhere along the way, we%u2019vemanaged to twist the idea of service intosomething lesser. Serving others means you%u2019re atthe bottom of the totem pole, waiting for yourchance to shine. But let me tell you a little secret:some of the brightest people I know are the onesholding the door open, handing out water, orquietly cheering others on from the sidelines.Serving doesn%u2019t shrink you%u2014it elevates you. It%u2019san act of power, purpose, and yes, a littlesparkle.When I talk about service, I%u2019m not talking aboutbeing a doormat. Let%u2019s be clear. I%u2019m talking aboutconscious, powerful, joy-filled giving. The kind ofgiving that comes with boundaries, clarity, and abig ol%u2019 smile that says, %u201cI see you, I value you,and I%u2019m here to help you win.%u201dServing is Leadership in DisguiseHere%u2019s the plot twist nobody tells you: the bestleaders are the best servants. Think about it. Aleader who asks, %u201cHow can I help you grow?%u201dinstead of %u201cWhat can you do for me?%u201d%u2014that%u2019ssomeone you%u2019ll run through a brick wall for.That%u2019s influence. That%u2019s legacy.I once worked with someone who ran a multimillion dollar company, and do you know whathe did every morning? He went office to office,asking, %u201cWhat do you need today?%u201d Not becausehe had to, but because he understood the truth:26